CVE-2016-1000000 in Whatsup Gold
Summary
by MITRE
Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold 16.4.1 WrFreeFormText.asp sUniqueID Parameter Blind SQL Injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1000000 represents a critical blind sql injection flaw within Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold version 16.4.1 affecting the WrFreeFormText.asp component. This vulnerability specifically targets the sUniqueID parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database through carefully crafted input that manipulates the sql query structure. The vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling where user-supplied data directly influences sql query construction without appropriate escaping or parameterization mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is classified under cwe-89 sql injection as it permits manipulation of sql commands through input fields that are not properly validated.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated session within the WhatsUp Gold application, as the attack vector targets a web interface component. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data from the database, modify existing records, or potentially gain unauthorized access to additional system resources. The blind nature of the injection means that the attacker cannot directly observe sql query results in real-time, requiring more sophisticated techniques such as time-based or error-based inference methods to extract information. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without immediate detection, allowing for extended periods of data exfiltration or system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to network monitoring data. WhatsUp Gold serves as a critical network monitoring tool, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers seeking to gain insights into network infrastructure or disrupt monitoring capabilities. The database containing this vulnerability likely holds sensitive network information, user credentials, and configuration data that could be leveraged for further attacks within the network environment. Organizations relying on this monitoring solution face significant risk of unauthorized access to their network infrastructure monitoring data, potentially enabling attackers to identify vulnerabilities or monitor network traffic patterns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold version to the latest security update released by the vendor. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while monitoring for unusual sql query patterns or database access attempts should be enabled. The implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries in the affected component would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts, and conduct regular security assessments of network monitoring tools to identify similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with attack techniques described in the attack framework under initial access and credential access phases, particularly leveraging the cwe-89 weakness to establish persistent access to network monitoring systems. Regular security updates and proper input validation practices remain the most effective defenses against this class of sql injection vulnerabilities.